Q. Can I lose weight by taking herbal medicine without any exercise?

I once had the same question: 'Will I lose weight just by taking herbal medicine without exercising?' The short answer is that herbal medicine alone can indeed help with weight loss. However, the magnitude and sustainability of the effect differ significantly depending on whether exercise is included. First, the benefits: Herbal medicine addresses root causes such as spleen deficiency (脾虛) or dampness-phlegm (濕痰). For example, if weight gain is due to poor spleen function causing fluid and qi accumulation, herbal medicine can improve digestion and metabolism, thereby reducing body fat. It can also help regulate appetite and relieve edema. On the downside, without exercise, it's difficult to maintain muscle mass and raise basal metabolic rate. This may lead to a plateau after initial loss or weight regain after stopping the herbs. Moreover, individual responses vary based on constitution and obesity type, so no universal effect can be guaranteed. Ultimately, it depends on your situation. If you have a health condition that limits movement or you cannot exercise at all, herbal medicine can be a good starting point. However, if possible, incorporating even light stretching or walking alongside the herbs will yield more stable, long-term results. The wisest approach is to first undergo a pulse diagnosis to assess your constitution and condition before deciding on a specific plan.